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Information on topics discussed at the second annual meeting of the European Academy of Optometry and Optics (EAOO) that was held in England on May 15, 2010 is presented. Topics include the progress and prevention of myopia, evaluation of vision training in rehabilitation centres through optometric intervention and assessment of retinal ganglion function. The meeting features several optometry professors including Bernard Gilmartin, Roger Anderson, and Holge Dietze.

The article discusses the white paper "The General Ophthalmic Services (GOS)," which examines the aspects of GOS in England and Wales. Topics include the call for urgent review of the GOS claiming that optometrists only perform basic tests as compliance with the National Health Service (NHS) England, the warning of NHS to withdraw the fees that were inappropriately paid and actions to be taken by the NHS ahead of the May 2015 general election.

Presents views on the British government white paper Our Health, Our Care, Our Say which outlines the future of the National Health Service (NHS) in Great Britain. Belief of the British secretary of state on members comprising the NHS; Lack of recognition given by the paper to other primary care providers; Hope provided by the white paper to optometry.

The article focuses on the contribution of British researchers in the advancement in contact lenses. The paper by Fiona Stapleton, head of the University of New South Wales' School of Optometry and Vision Science, on the incidence of contact-lens related microbial keratitis in Australia is one of the most cited papers.

The article focuses on the issues concerning the General Optical Council fees in Great Britain as of November 2005. Renewal fees will not rise provided there is no last minute rush of those who still use paper to attain continuing education and training accreditation before the 2007 deadline. The Council heard that efforts to agree a 2006-2007 registration fee at the same level as the current year could be halt by a minority of practitioners who continue to use written answer sheets, rather than go online.

The article offers news briefs related to optometry. 1.355m pounds of funding has been raised by online contact lens company GetOptics from investment company Octopus Ventures. Scientific papers and poster have been invited by the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) for its 2010 Clinical Conference and Exhibition to be held from May 27-30, 2010. Driver William Seago has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving after running over and killing a colleague while performing a three-point turn.

Deals with a study which examined the risk of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease via opthalmic devices. Methods; Results; Recommendations.

The article focuses on the sodium fluorescein and its use in optometry. Sodium fluorescein is an orange-yellow substance that was first used in 1992 by Paul Ehrlich as an antibody labeling agent. Due to its lack of toxicity, fluorescein can be safely used within the body and is known as a vital dye. Regarding the anterior eye, fluorescein is available in two forms: Fluorets or sterile paper strips impregnated with 1-milligram of fluorescein and in solution as Minims. Fluorescein is used to highlight many defects in the anterior surfaces of the eye including breaches of corneal integrity and conjunctival folds and any conjunctival erosion.

The article focuses on the quality assurance mark launched by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), a charity in Great Britain, which will determine products that are easy to use for blind and partially sighted people. Meanwhile, senior independent prescribing (IP) optometrist Peter Frampton will present the "Mr Imbert, Mr Fick and Mr Goldmann: Has anyone actually seen the original papers what do they actually tell us?" lecture at the College of Optometrists on March 25, 2015.

The article presents views of Doug Perkins, director of professional advancement, on need of optics to do in face of competition from online refraction technologies and mentions value of the relationship optics with National Health Service (NHS). Topics discussed include role of patient education with patients failing to attend appointments, papers on running clinical audit published by College of Optometrists and knowledge on patient retention.

The article focuses on the use of lissamine green (LG) for conjunctival staining. It describes LG as a vital stain which stains dead cells, membrane degenerate cells and mucus. It notes that LG's availability form is in impregnated paper strips which contains 1.5 milligram of the dye. Furthermore, information on various studies related to the effectiveness of LG is also discussed.

The article presents updates on research of relevance to the optician and optometry practices. A study by U.S. researchers published in the July issue of Contact Lens & Anterior Eye (CLAE) suggests that selecting an appropriate lens care product can also enhance patients' wearing experience, maintain optimal lens performance and may help to prevent drop-out. A second paper in an issue of CLAE examines the clinical performance of CIBA Vision's daily disposable, Focus Dailies with AquaRelease, a nelfilcon A lens incorporating additional polyvinyl alcohol.

The article comments on the exclusion of optometrists from a British paper that lists medical practitioners who can diagnose and treat allergy. Optometrists have once again been overlooked by the British Department of Health in its 2006 paper. There is no reason optometrists should not promote the investigation and treatment skills they have.

Presents news articles related to optometry in Great Britain as of August 2004. Efforts of Broadhurst Opticians' business manager Sharron Wragg to raise money for an optical charity; Response of the General Optical Council to a consultation paper written by the Department of Health; Award given to call center company Hoya Lens.

Presents an update on the optical trade as of August 2003. Theme of the first Hong Kong Optometric Conference; Free contact lenses to be issued by Kirkwood Fyfe Opticians; Licensing agreement forged by optical manufacturing company Marcolin.

Reports on the development of an electronic centralized system for administering National Health Service ophthalmic claims in Great Britain as of September 2002. Statement issued by FODO executive director Bob Hughes regarding the date of implementation; Revisions to paper documents brought by the move to electronic claims forms.

The article presents information on the 36th Association of Optometrists' (AOP) Hospital Optometrists Annual Conference, held in Heathrow, England, from November 5-7, 2010. Nilpah Shah presented the results of a study of visual acuity measured using vanishing optotypes and conventional letters while Michael Grossland and Roger Anderson presented on reading and writing papers and posters. Information on other sessions is presented.

Information about several papers discussed at the American Academy of Optometry Conference held in Anaheim, California is presented. Topics include the introduction of various contact lenses and presentations concerning the IOP-VIP implantable telescope system. The conference featured several optical industries including CooperVision Inc., CIBA Vision Corp, and Bausch & Lomb Inc.

The article presents opinion of the author of the future of optometry. It is noted that "Pharmacy Voice" the latest body to advocate primary care to in the community released a paper, We Are Primary Care, has been backed by the National Health Service (NHS). It also discusses research revealing how retinal imaging help in early detection of Alzheimer's, cataract surgery can help with dementia and depression in age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The article reports on the collaboration of the Institute of Optometry and the London South Bank University to launch the Doctor of Optometry programme in London, England. Sir Patrick Cable-Alexander said that the scheme involves a taught element in the first two years. It notes that the entry level for the new doctorate will be evidence of work at a masters level, but optometrists who had a paper published or completed a higher diploma or produced high quality written material will be eligible.

The article highlights the meeting of the GOC which was held in London, England on June 28, 2007. Members received updates on the white paper working groups and progress within the British Department of Health where they asked to endorse the proposal for fitness to practise hearings to be moved to an independent adjudication body. A new unified competency framework for optics was also proposed to take on board best practice from the Optometrists Association Australia.

The author reflects on several issues concerning the optical trade in Great Britain. He states that many in the optometry profession are still kicking themselves for not keeping a closer eye on how the dental profession managed the government over funding and reform. He notes that the recent White Paper on the regulation of health professionals will see a wholesale change to the way in which the pharmacy sector is governed.

The article deals with the conflict between optical media Optician and Optometry Today. Optician has never had an easy relationship with Optometry Today nor, at times, with the Association of Optometrists. On paper there is no reason why being in a competitive business situation with a magazine edited by the wife of the CEO of the lead professional body should be a problem. However, Optician did find itself in an uneasy position with the two from time to time and has the legal letters to prove it.

This section presents news briefs on ophthalmology in Great Britain as of April 2006. The project manager for the General Ophthalmic Services review in England will speak to the Optometric Advisers Group next month. Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for the General Optical Council said optometrists and dispensing opticians can only prescribe lenses for the use or wear period they have been licensed for. Furthermore, a new paper claims that fish oil may help protect against retinal degenerative diseases.

Reports on the availability of nomination forms for elections to the College of Optometrists' Council in Britain as of December 13, 2002. Submission of the voting papers; Information on the college's biennial George Giles Lecture.

Reports on the eye care plan presented by FODO to the British Department of Health, entitled 'Creating a Community Eyecare Service.'

A conference paper about different eye problems associated with multiple aspects of optometry are presented. Association between smoking and glaucoma was discussed and it was seen that glaucoma causes some anatomical changes. Another study looked at the effectiveness of vision therapy in the management of convergence insufficiency (CI). While a study also looked into the effectiveness of TearLab, a hand-held osmolality test able to detect dry eye.

The article explores the significance of practice management software for the optical industry. It reveals that only a small percentage of the thousands of professionals in all fields have mastery of their information technology systems. Almost all opticians would agree that their computer is an essential part of the practice. The optical business is well supplied with a wide choice of computer packages.

The article reports that Sandeep Kaur Dhallu, a student of optometry at the Aston University, has won the first Bernard Gilmartin Optometry Scholarship for her research on evaluating the visual function of patients who underwent cataract surgery and were implanted with advanced intraocular lenses. The Scholarship was established to Professor Gilmartin who joined Aston in 1974, and offers financial help to undergraduate, postgraduate, or post-doctoral students.

The article elaborates on the research commissioned by the College of Optometrists regarding the implication of most behavioural optometry techniques in Great Britain. Researchers found that the findings correspond with the previously published paper done by Dr. Adrian Jennings in 2000, stressing that there was a lack of controlled clinical trials to support behavioural management strategies.

The article looks at studies that examined the interaction of contact lenses, solutions and the eye. A paper in the January issue of "Eye & Contact Lens," by researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada looked at the interaction of benzalkonium chloride with silicone hydrogel and conventional hydrogel lenses. A new study by Richdale and colleagues at the Ohio State University, published in the February 2007 issue of "Cornea" looked at factors associated with contact lens dissatisfaction and discontinuation.

Argues that the field of optometry may do without an information technology supplement. Main reason for not having a computer; Inconveniences usually encountered in a business when a computer faults or malfunctions; Reason computers are impersonal.

Expresses an opinion about the exclusion of optometry profession in the circulation of the discussion paper "Standards for Better Health, Health Care Standards for Services Under the NHS" by the Department of Health in England. Consequence of the exclusion; Information on the core and developmental standards of Great Britain National Health Service (NHS); Cause of the public misconception on NHS.

Presents news briefs on optometry in Great Britain as of March 2003. Information on the 2003 Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians; Main themes of the 2003 conference on issues concerning people with sight problems; Acquisition of the U.S. prescription sunglass lens maker Specialty Lens Corp. by French lens maker Essilor.

The article focuses on the efforts and steps taken by the British Government and National Health Services (NHS) to provide all the resources to future practitioners of optometry. It mentions role of NHS to promote General Ophthalmic Services. It also mentions importance of modern system for the qualified optometrists.

Information on several topics discussed at the conference sponsored by the American Academy of Optometry in Great Britain is presented. These include the result of the study which focuses on Convergence Insufficiency (CI), an examination on the bacteria that can be found in the lid and conjunctiva of children which may affect fitting of eyeglasses, and the rise of debt for optometry education. Speakers at the event include Mitchell Scheimann, Maria Markoulli, and Vicky Evans.

Presents several news briefs concerning optometry and ophthalmology in Great Britain as of October 2002. Information on a meeting to be hosted by Japanese contact lens manufacturer Menicon; Details on the prize given to Hereford-based Marcher Enterprises in the 2002 Awards for Innovation in British Optics; Announcement of plans for a new ophthalmology unit at Hull Royal Infirmary.

Interviews contact lenses commentator Nathan Efron. Details of how he got the idea of getting a career in optometry; Decision to specialize in contact lenses; His inspiration in writing a book.

The article reports on the significance of maintaining hand hygiene in infection control in optometric practice. It is said that infection may be transmitted from patient to staff, staff to patient, patient to patient and staff to staff by direct contact, aerosol formation and so on. Hand washing is said to be the most important way in preventing the spread of infection .

The article focuses on the features published in the October 30, 1964 issue of the journal Optician. It is noted that one of the articles was regarding U.S. ophthalmologist Christopher Wood who believes that ophthalmologists should be prohibited from selling frames on ethical grounds. Another article relates to the benefits of wearing glasses with plano lenses at job interviews.

The article focuses on why optometry is not a career choice in Great Britain. It is noted that the starting salary for optometry is poor with no prospect of rising to a level comparable with similar professions after graduation and tough professional exams. It is stated that non-professional managers often bully employed optometrists at work.

The article offers suggestions for optometrists on how to improve NHS care, meet healthcare needs and build an excellent NHS for future generations. It is suggested that one should insist that all non-emergency ophthalmic referrals are routed via specialist optometrists accredited and administered through Local Optical Committees (LOCs).

The article offers information related to orthokeratology. Orthokeratology refers to the reduction, modification or elimination of refractive error by the programmed application of contact lenses. The advent of computer numerical controlled (CNC) high precision lathes, reverse geometry contact lens designs, corneal topographers and super high Dk rigid gas-permeable lenses has totally revolutionised this field.

The article presents an interview with Michael Potter, the head of marketing and communications at the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). When asked what made him take his role, Potter replies that he was delighted to accept an exciting new challenge when he was offered the opportunity to join ABDO. Potter says that his favourite way of relaxing is reading and listening to music. He discusses some of his favourite things.

In this article the author discusses the good news of the new professional qualification for optometry. He explains that a second assessor will do a continuous assessment and objective checking of skills and a structured practical that presents everyone with the same problems. He points out that the results are now particular about the abilities of the student and less about which assessor and examiner they ended up with.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including Bill Harvey's behavioural optometry review in the August 1, 2008 issue, Brendan Barrett's review of the behavioural optometry evidence base in the August 1, 2008 issue and comment of Richard Llewellyn on the GOS contract in the August 8, 2008.

The article offers insights from Bill Harvey regarding the winner of the 2008 Contribution to Optometry continuing education (CET) Award in Great Britain which went to Dr. Dan Rosser. Harvey shares that the selection of the 2008 winner proved the hardest for their judges to arrive at a final winner. Dr. Rosser's article is about visual acuity measurement and its pitfalls.

The article discusses two recent studies, which focused on contact lens care products and their effects on ocular tissue. One study investigates the effects of non-preserved solutions on the corneal epithelium in long-term daily wear of silicone hydrogel lenses when compared with extended wear with these lenses. The second study compares the effects of four multipurpose solutions (MPS) on the structure and barrier function of corneal epithelial tight junctions.

The article offers information regarding the use of anti-reflection coatings which will benefit the patient, and broaden the knowledge base of staff involved when dealing with patients. According to data from consumer research companies, consumers are expecting more information on their purchases from informed staff. It is argued that the popularity and extensive use of anti-reflection coatings provide benefits to both patients and practitioners.

The article discusses the findings of various studies concerning corneal staining and its clinical relevance. Researchers from the Institute for Eye Research (IER) examined four silicone hydrogel lenses when used with different brands of solutions. A study examined the staining grid data to determine whether they represent real differences in product performance or random occurrences. Another study examined the benefits of contact lens wear for children and teenagers.